Local Food Bank Faces Critical Funding Shortage: How You Can Help Needy Families in East Idaho

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket is struggling with a significant drop in donations this year. They have received 200,000 pounds less food in 2025 compared to last year, but the demand remains high, with many families still seeking help.

Ariel Jackson, the food bank’s executive director, shared that this shortage isn’t just an isolated issue. “It’s a universal problem,” she noted. The food bank usually collaborates with other nonprofits to share resources, but now they find themselves unable to help others due to their own limitations.

In the past, the Food Basket aimed to supply enough food for families for a week. Now, due to declining donations, they can only provide for four to five days. “If this trend continues, we’ll have to make tough choices,” Jackson warned.

The food bank typically relies on local grocery stores for most of its food. However, this year, Jackson says there’s no clear reason for the drop in donations. The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket supports individuals across seven counties, with some traveling from as far as Clark County for assistance. If the situation doesn’t improve, this help may be restricted.

To mitigate this issue, Jackson recently called on local gardeners to donate any extra produce they may have, highlighting their need for fresh and frozen food. “We’re one of the few pantries that can distribute these types of items,” she said.

Financial contributions are also crucial. The food bank can stretch one dollar into $4.80 worth of food thanks to their nonprofit status. This buying power helps maximize their resources.

According to recent data from Feeding America, food banks across the U.S. reported similar struggles, with a decrease in food donations and increased demand. This trend reflects broader economic challenges, as more families face financial hardships. The organization encourages anyone able to help to consider donating.

For more information on how to support their work, you can visit the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket’s website here.

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